My wife and I were recently putting up some foods that we had purchased and I thought it might help to give some tips on how to prepare long term storage items.
We were storing some millet and rye in six gallon buckets along with black beans and pinto beans. To help ensure that pests don't harm the food, we use a method that permeates the food with carbon monoxide from dry ice. We found this tip on providentliving.org. Many people use oxygen absorbers, but they will damage food over long periods of storage. The dry ice will kill most pests if you place six ounces in the bottom of the bucket and then add the food. (One ounce per gallon is the ratio.) Place the lid on top, but don't seal it completely to allow excess gas to bleed off. Once the bottom of the bucket no longer feels cold, seal off the lid and it's ready to store.
We have yet to find any pests in our food that we have stored this way. The kids also like to make up a batch of kool-aid when we have extra ice left over.
We haven't bothered doing this with sugar or other dense foods, but it could be useful with flour if you plan to not use it anytime soon. (Of course, the nutritional value of the flour will be minimal after a long period of storage. It is much better to grind a whole grain to make flour.)
- Mark
Value is based on perception.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Deflation Concerns
In light of recent events, it should be apparent that the rules of economics will not be thwarted by government intervention. Many have great concerns about hyper-inflation. Some just feel that inflation will continue to be a problem. I however do not see either possibility taking hold in the United States.
The real issue for America will be deflation. As the economy contracts, less money will be available for spending on discretionary items. This will continue to put pressure on jobs and thus result in less spending. The key will be when attitudes toward spending turn from buying on credit to holding what you can. Some areas of the country are already seeing this trend, but as it become more prevalent, the ball will begin to really roll.
In such instances, the best way to prepare is to ensure that you have fewer liabilities. Debt is a vicious enemy in a deflationary cycle as the amount owed will often exceed the value of the asset originally purchased with that credit. Savings and debt reduction are vitally important. It is interesting that this is the last thing the markets and government want of consumers, but consumers rule the markets, despite what "wise" men will tell you.
I also feel that it is imperative that you have emergency supplies available in the event that you become one of the unemployed. Without emergency reserves of cash and food, personal hygiene supplies and similar necessities, life will become very hard for ordinary people.
Take some time to contemplate your position for such times, then act on your needs.
- Mark
Value is based on perception.
The real issue for America will be deflation. As the economy contracts, less money will be available for spending on discretionary items. This will continue to put pressure on jobs and thus result in less spending. The key will be when attitudes toward spending turn from buying on credit to holding what you can. Some areas of the country are already seeing this trend, but as it become more prevalent, the ball will begin to really roll.
In such instances, the best way to prepare is to ensure that you have fewer liabilities. Debt is a vicious enemy in a deflationary cycle as the amount owed will often exceed the value of the asset originally purchased with that credit. Savings and debt reduction are vitally important. It is interesting that this is the last thing the markets and government want of consumers, but consumers rule the markets, despite what "wise" men will tell you.
I also feel that it is imperative that you have emergency supplies available in the event that you become one of the unemployed. Without emergency reserves of cash and food, personal hygiene supplies and similar necessities, life will become very hard for ordinary people.
Take some time to contemplate your position for such times, then act on your needs.
- Mark
Value is based on perception.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
How to be Prepared
My son just attended a First Aid Merit Badge training. I sat off to the side reading for school, but I heard most of what was said. One would think that such a training would be a preparedness tool, but I have to differ in this case. The presenter was immature and rushed through important points. He did not know many things and constantly told the boys that they would never need the knowledge of many things he was supposed to be teaching.
If we are really looking to become prepared, we need to find real mentors and advisers. I do not say teachers for a reason. Anyone can teach facts, but a mentor will help you learn them. An adviser will guide you to conclusions. I prefer a combination to really learn what I want and need to know.
I think that the key to being prepared is to reason things out, practice them and study on my own to fill in gaps or gain new understanding. I knew I was lacking understanding in market philosophy, so I went out and found several sources of information and reasoned out the arguments. I knew two years ago that the US was headed toward an imminent financial crisis. I have known for years that there were problems in the markets, but it was only after serious study that I understood how bad it would be and where the signs would begin to manifest themselves. This allowed me to make preparations before the crisis set in.
Do I have a plan for economic problems? Yes. Do I know how to cook without fuel? Yes. Do I have an earthquake plan? Yes. It goes on and on. Will I need each plan? No. Will each plan be sufficient? No. But having at least a partial plan is better than none.
Let me know what you have questions about.
- Mark
Value is based on perception.
If we are really looking to become prepared, we need to find real mentors and advisers. I do not say teachers for a reason. Anyone can teach facts, but a mentor will help you learn them. An adviser will guide you to conclusions. I prefer a combination to really learn what I want and need to know.
I think that the key to being prepared is to reason things out, practice them and study on my own to fill in gaps or gain new understanding. I knew I was lacking understanding in market philosophy, so I went out and found several sources of information and reasoned out the arguments. I knew two years ago that the US was headed toward an imminent financial crisis. I have known for years that there were problems in the markets, but it was only after serious study that I understood how bad it would be and where the signs would begin to manifest themselves. This allowed me to make preparations before the crisis set in.
Do I have a plan for economic problems? Yes. Do I know how to cook without fuel? Yes. Do I have an earthquake plan? Yes. It goes on and on. Will I need each plan? No. Will each plan be sufficient? No. But having at least a partial plan is better than none.
Let me know what you have questions about.
- Mark
Value is based on perception.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Lessons Learned
I've learned a few lessons of late regarding preparedness. First of all, I attended a fire extinguisher training from the city fire department where I work. I had posted wondering about carrying a small fire extinguisher after seeing a car fire. Well, at least for that purpose, there is no need. The fire department won't touch a car fire with anything less than a 2.5" hose because they are so hard to put out.
The presenter also said that the smaller extinguishers are of little use since they usually don't contain enough suppressant to extinguish most small house fires. The only time he knew of one actually putting out a fire was when the top melted off of one and smothered a stove top fire.
My wife and I also went on vacation recently and discovered that it is better to listen to the weather band on your emergency radio regularly so you are prepared for the coming storms. Our tent roof failed to hold back the rain, and we got as wet inside as anything did outside. It pays to have a rain fly.
- Mark
Value is based on perception.
The presenter also said that the smaller extinguishers are of little use since they usually don't contain enough suppressant to extinguish most small house fires. The only time he knew of one actually putting out a fire was when the top melted off of one and smothered a stove top fire.
My wife and I also went on vacation recently and discovered that it is better to listen to the weather band on your emergency radio regularly so you are prepared for the coming storms. Our tent roof failed to hold back the rain, and we got as wet inside as anything did outside. It pays to have a rain fly.
- Mark
Value is based on perception.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
